How to Keep Your Kitchen Pipes Clean

Your kitchen pipes: something you probably don’t think about until something goes wrong. The best way to ensure the pipes stay clean and clear are to treat them properly and only send the correct materials down them. If, however, it is too late to prevent the damage, there are many ways to bring your pipes back to normal working condition.

Prevention

While modern pipes and in-sink garbage disposals have made it easy to get rid of nearly anything, this does not necessarily mean that you should send just anything down the drain. Here are a few items to keep away from the drain or garbage disposal:

Anything that is not food. If you have ever found a missing fork by turning on the disposal, you know how important this is.

Cooking oil, grease or fat of any kind. Well, unless you want to deal with a clogged drain.

Harsh chemicals. While they may help some sink and drain issues, strong chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners are too strong and can cause damage over time if used as a regular go-to solution. These should be reserved for a last effort situation.

Expandable foods. Just as rice and pasta expand in pots of water, they also expand in pipes of water and can quickly cause a backup.

Overall, the key to success in preventing problems in your kitchen pipes is to think before you drain. If you have to consider whether something will go down properly, err on the side of caution and use an alternative disposal method. Drain strainers can also greatly help in keeping pipes clear.

Routine Maintenance

Even if the previous tips are followed, it is still important to regularly clean and maintain your pipes to ensure free flow for years to come. Once a month, mix equal parts white vinegar and baking soda, pour down the drain, cover for a few minutes then rinse with boiling water. This will keep the drain clean, clear and sanitized. This method will also prevent putrid drain smells from making their way into your kitchen.

Once every 4-6 months, carefully pour a cup of bleach down the drain, allow it to soak then rinse thoroughly with water. Always use caution when pouring bleach to ensure it does not damage the sink or surrounding area.

When Problems Arise

Pipe problems will arise when you least expect it and it will never be a convenient time. Knowing what to do in the situation will prevent major problems. If you believe your pipes are clogged from oil, fat or grease, boil a large pot of water and pour it down the drain with a moderate amount of dish soap. If this does not free the blockage, you may want to reach for a stronger commercial grade drain cleaner. If this still does not work, it is time for professional intervention.

If you take proper care of your kitchen pipes and drains, problems will rarely arise. Far too many homeowners simply forget about their pipes until a problem arises, do not allow yourself to fall into that trap. In the unfortunate instance that your drain or sewer line becomes clogged, we here at Ace Grease can offer our plumbing expertise and have your kitchen up and running in no time at an affordable price. We also offer routine preventative line cabling services to keep commercial kitchens’ drains running smoothly for years to come! For more information, visit: http://www.acegrease.com/services/line-jetting-cabling or call 800-473-2733!